Winter floods close some Smokies trails, repairs pending

A section of the Noland Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be closed to hikers and horseback riders through May 2, as crews repair flood damage from the past winter.

The closed section will be from the trailhead to backcountry campsite 64.

On the Tennessee side for the park, the popular Chimney Tops Trail has been closed since January, when high waters destroyed the 70-foot-long pedestrian bridge across a stream near the beginning of the trail. Replacement of the bridge and reopening of the trail is expected by June 30. However, the trail will continue to be closed Monday through Thursday until October 17 for an ongoing rehabilitation project.